Keep It Like a Secret

Artistic 12-year-old Morgan has always been close with his 18-year-old sister Claire, a former champion runner. But lately, increasingly rebellious Claire’s contentious relationship with their mother has strained that bond, especially since Morgan’s the one left to pick up the pieces anytime Claire storms out. Still, Morgan dreams of somehow healing the rift in his family. After Claire and Mom’s most recent argument, Claire returns home after several days to “borrow” Morgan for one of their traditional sibling adventures. Morgan sees it as the perfect opportunity to talk her into apologizing and coming home for good. They instead spend the day visiting Claire’s favorite spots around the city and creating new memories, as when she teaches him how to drive. As Morgan learns why Claire chafes at their mother’s expectations and pressure, he comes to understand the challenges that await him in the future and realizes that his family’s problems may be too big to solve in a single day. This emotionally tumultuous tale of familial strife and sibling bonds by Anderson (Homebound) is a quietly intimate yet powerful examination of the need for change, growth, and maturation. Morgan and his family read as white. Ages 8–12. (May)